211. A Rest Remaineth For the Weary

1. A rest remaineth for the weary,
Rise, heart, and shine with light divine!
Though here the way be long and dreary,
And here thy sun doth never shine!
Before His throne the Lamb will lead thee,
And there on heavenly pastures feed thee,
Cast off thy burden, come with haste!
Soon will the struggle here be ended,
The weary road which thou hast wended:
Sweet is the rest which thou shalt taste!

2. This rest our God Himself ordained,
A rest that nevermore shall end;
Ere man his earthly home obtained,
Love wove the plan this rest to send:
The Lamb of God Himself chose dying,
This rest for us to be supplying;
And now He calleth far and near:
"Ye weary souls, cease your repining,
Come, while for you My light is shining;
Come, sweetest rest awaits you here!"

3. O come, come all, ye weak and weary,
Ye souls bowed down with many a care;
Arise and leave your dungeons dreary
And listen to His promise fair:
"Ye bore your burdens meek and lowly,
I will fulfill My pledge most holy,
I'll be your Solace and your Rest.
Ye are My own, I will requite you,
Though sin and Satan seek to smite you,
Rejoice! You home is with the blest!"

4. There we shall sheaves of joy be bringing,
For past is sowing-time in tears!
With songs the Father's house is ringing,
Songs far too sweet for mortal ears:
Pain, sighs, and sorrow will be over,
And death no more will o'er us hover;
We'll see our King and with Him dwell!
He will lead to the crystal river
And wipe away all tears forever;
What He will give no tongue can tell!

5. There peace shall reign in fullest measure,
No gnawing care shall mar our rest!
Ye weary ones, ye shall have pleasure:
Come, lean upon your Savior's breast!
Oh, had we wings to hasten yonder -
No more o'er earthly ills to ponder -
To join that bright triumphant band!
Make hast, my soul, forget all sadness;
For peace awaits thee, joy and gladness,
Thy perfect rest is nigh at hand.